"Phono" Cable - Necessary if you have RCA outs?

Agree, just terminology. Interconnect, Interlink, phono cable, patch cord, yada yada.

XLO, Purist and a few others make and market special phonocables to go from your arm to your pre-pre or preamp.
Usually they are expensive, but worth your while if you own a very high resolution vinyl system. In fact, there they are a must. I don't know what your system is, but if you're curious and live in the States, try to borrow a pair from the Cable Company and find out for yourself. (www.fatwyre.com)

I think the key word here is market. If you believe that the megabuck ICs offer good value, then you'll want a megabuck "phono" cable. I have no idea if they are worthwhile.

I also have a VPI Aries with the JMW Tonearm, I have used innerconnects and phono cables(Kimber KCAG and Hoveland) and found a sonic improvement with both phono cables(not day and night but better detail) Phono cables also have a ground wire to prevent hum if that is a problem, of course with the JMW arm you use another wire for ground. Phono cable makers tell you that you need a different cable for the phono because of the lower level signal coming from the cartridge. I don't know if that is true or not but in my system I did hear an improvement with a quality phono cable.Good luck.

I have VPI Aries with JMW. Tried Cardas Golden Cross, Audiotruth Diamond 2X and Audiotruth Extreme. I like the Extreme the best.